Cryptology 7.5 credits

About the course

Cryptography is essential in today’s digital society which is founded on secure and confidential communication. In practice, when implementing a system building on cryptography it is important to be aware of and to understand different methods’ strengths, limitations and theoretical backgrounds which often rely on modern mathematics.

The course covers a variety of encryption methods and protocols with a focus on foundational pillars of modern communication and those at the forefront of active research such as cryptographic algorithms safeguarded against quantum computers. The course includes both symmetric encryption (where the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt messages), and asymmetric encryption (where a public key can be used by others to send you encrypted messages, but only you have the private key to decrypt them).

The course introduces different cryptographic tools and applications such as digital signatures, authentication, and cryptocurrencies. Basic cryptoanalysis will also be covered where strengths and weaknesses of different methods and protocols are discussed.

The course combines theory with practical activities including programming exercises.

Show syllabus

Apply

Autumn 2026
- Cryptology
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  2 November 2026
  
  Ends
  17 January 2027
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-5800P
  
  Eligibility
  
  The course requires 90 ECTS including a course in Linear Algebra, a course in Programming and either a course in Discrete Mathematics or 45 ECTS in total in Mathematics.
  
  Selection
  
  Guaranteed place
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

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